Pre-construction / Design & Build Manager

A leading New Zealand construction and manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction / Design & Build Manager to join their team. This is a pivotal role overseeing fully integrated design, engineering and pre-build planning for residential and commercial projects.

If you're a solutions-focused leader with strong design and technical capability — and enjoy bringing projects to life from concept through to delivery — this is an excellent opportunity.

About the Role
You will lead all pre-construction activities, ensuring designs are efficient, buildable, cost-effective and aligned with client requirements. Working closely with internal teams and external consultants, you'll manage concept development, design coordination, pricing, programming and handover to delivery teams.

This role suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple workflows, and enjoys shaping high-value projects from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full pre-construction process across multiple residential and commercial projects
• Oversee design development, engineering coordination and buildability reviews
• Manage client briefs, design options, pricing strategies and value engineering
• Prepare pre-construction programmes, documentation and scope packages
• Work closely with estimating, planning, production and project delivery teams
• Ensure designs meet regulatory, compliance and quality standards
• Drive continuous improvement in design, systemisation and pre-build processes
• Support tender submissions and technical evaluations

About You

• Proven experience in pre-construction, design management, design & build, or similar
• Strong technical knowledge in construction, modular, prefabrication or manufacturing (ideal)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Confident engaging with consultants, engineers, architects and clients
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of cost, programme and risk
• Excellent communication, coordination and leadership skills
• Comfortable working with digital tools, drawings, modelling and documentation platforms
• Able to start January 2026

Why Apply?

• Secure a senior role with a business experiencing continued growth
• Work on innovative projects with a highly collaborative team
• Influence project outcomes at the earliest and most meaningful stage
• Long-term pipeline and genuine career development opportunities

If you're passionate about design, construction innovation and shaping high-quality build outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch for a confidential discussion and contact Nick Gillingham - E-mail - [email protected] Mobile - 021 597 270